US20050231928A1 - Mechanical adapter for circuitry modules - Google Patents
Mechanical adapter for circuitry modules Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050231928A1 US20050231928A1 US11/037,568 US3756805A US2005231928A1 US 20050231928 A1 US20050231928 A1 US 20050231928A1 US 3756805 A US3756805 A US 3756805A US 2005231928 A1 US2005231928 A1 US 2005231928A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- mechanical adapter
- circuit board
- mechanical
- adapter
- coupled
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Images
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/18—Packaging or power distribution
- G06F1/183—Internal mounting support structures, e.g. for printed circuit boards, internal connecting means
- G06F1/185—Mounting of expansion boards
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/18—Packaging or power distribution
- G06F1/183—Internal mounting support structures, e.g. for printed circuit boards, internal connecting means
- G06F1/184—Mounting of motherboards
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/18—Packaging or power distribution
- G06F1/183—Internal mounting support structures, e.g. for printed circuit boards, internal connecting means
- G06F1/186—Securing of expansion boards in correspondence to slots provided at the computer enclosure
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/14—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack
- H05K7/1461—Slidable card holders; Card stiffeners; Control or display means therefor
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to computer hardware and, more particularly, to circuit card mounting hardware.
- PCB Printed circuit board
- Conductive layers may include copper metal, or another conductive material. Conductive layers of the PCB may be used to transport electrical energy within the laminate. Insulating layers may include glass-fiber reinforced epoxy resins or other insulating materials.
- the conductive circuits of the PCB may reside in a limited area of the PCB's form.
- the rest of the form may have the same laminate, however, with the conductive material etched away.
- the portion cleared of conductive material may be used for mechanical adapting and may not serve an electrical function.
- the PCB may be exposed to an etching bath to remove copper from a front of the PCB, creating an imbalance of conductive material within or on the PCB (e.g., high copper content on rear 20% of a PCB's volume and zero copper content on the remaining 80% of the PCB's volume). Long exposure times to the etching bath may cause poor circuit trace quality and/or PCB warping.
- Differences in conductive material content across the PCB may result in differences in thermal expansion coefficients of the different materials in the PCB.
- the differences in the thermal expansion coefficients may result in PCB warping when the PCB is reheated during electrical component-level device assembly to a PCB surface.
- PCB laminates may be composed of interwoven glass fibers held rigidly in a matrix of cured resin, usually a thermosetting epoxy, resulting in a structure that allows for extremely limited plastic deformation.
- mechanical features that can be created in such a material may be limited to simple cuts with all the limitations inherent to a machined feature.
- a mechanical adapter may be used in place of some printed circuit board (PCB) materials.
- PCB printed circuit board
- the mechanical adapter may include a metal superstructure adapted to fit different form factors using traditional metalworking fabrication processes.
- the mechanical adapter may have a common mechanical interface on a side to receive a reusable, common form factor card (e.g., a motherboard).
- the mechanical adapter may be reconfigured to adapt to multiple form factors while maintaining preexisting overall form factor constraints.
- a mechanical adapter may have a mounting portion and a configurable portion.
- the mounting portion may be operable to couple to a circuit board.
- the mounting portion may be similar for multiple configurations of the mechanical adapter.
- the circuit board may be similar for different modules.
- the configurable portion may be coupled to the mounting portion and may operate to extend the combined mechanical adapter/circuit board combination, such that when the combination is inserted into a chassis, the combined mechanical adapter/circuit board extends the full length of the chassis slot.
- Circuit boards may be used with multiple different products using similar form factors.
- the mechanical adapter may be configured to adapt the circuit board to a needed form factor for a specific PXI module.
- the mechanical adapter may be configured to adapt the circuit board to a needed form factor for a specific SCXI module. While embodiments are shown for PXI modules and SCXI modules, it is to be understood that the mechanical adapter may also be used for other modules and other products besides PXI modules and SCXI modules.
- a second circuit board (e.g., a module daughtercard) may be mounted onto a mechanical adapter to be coupled to a first circuit board (e.g., a motherboard).
- the mechanical adapter may be configured to mount a specific type of daughtercard in the configurable portion, while the mounting portion may be similar to mounting portions on other mechanical adapters with different configurations for different daughtercards (e.g., the motherboard may be similar for each of the different configurations). Therefore, in various embodiments, a common mounting portion may mate to a common motherboard configuration for different products each configured to mount a different daughtercard.
- the mechanical adapter may also be used with other circuitry elements besides a motherboard and a daughtercard. For example, the mechanical adapter may be used to align and couple other PCBs.
- protrusions may substantially align with slots on the first circuit board to align the mechanical adapter with the first circuit board.
- the protrusions may snap into slots to align outer edges of the first circuit board and the mechanical adapter.
- holes on the mounting portion of the mechanical adapter may align with corresponding holes on the first circuit board.
- fasteners may be placed through the holes of the mechanical adapter and the first circuit board when the holes on each are substantially aligned.
- a fastener e.g., a screw or a rivet
- tabs may be offset from the plane of the mechanical adapter to receive the daughtercard. In some embodiments, tabs may be used to offset the daughtercard in any direction (e.g., along the x, y, and/or z directions). For example, the depth of the offset may be adjusted according to an overall width of the daughtercard. In some embodiments, the tabs may be offset to substantially align a surface of a daughtercard with a surface of the mechanical adapter. In some embodiments, the tabs may be offset to substantially align an electrical connector on the daughtercard with an electrical connector on the motherboard.
- an offset of the tabs may be configured such that the maximum overall width of a motherboard/daughtercard assembly, when the daughtercard is coupled to the mechanical adapter, is within a predetermined value. In some embodiments, offsetting tabs may be used to fit in components that would otherwise be too wide to place on a daughtercard mounted in the same plane as the motherboard or mechanical adapter.
- FIG. 1 a illustrates a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Extensions for Instrumentation (PXI) module;
- PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect
- PXI Peripheral Component Interconnect
- FIG. 1 b illustrates a Signal Conditioning Extensions for Instrumentation (SCXI) module
- FIG. 1 c illustrates a chassis for a PXI module
- FIG. 1 d illustrates a front view of a chassis
- FIG. 2 illustrates a PXI module with a mechanical adapter, according to an embodiment
- FIG. 3 illustrates a SCXI module with a mechanical adapter, according to an embodiment
- FIG. 4 illustrates an assembly of a PXI module containing a mechanical adapter, according to an embodiment
- FIG. 5 illustrates an assembly of a SCXI module containing a mechanical adapter, according to an embodiment
- FIG. 6 illustrates a PXI module with a mechanical adapter for coupling a daughtercard to a motherboard, according to an embodiment
- FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, and 7 c illustrate views of a mechanical adapter for a PXI module, according to an embodiment
- FIG. 8 illustrates a SCXI module with a mechanical adapter for coupling two daughtercards to a motherboard, according to an embodiment
- FIGS. 9 a and 9 b illustrate two views of a mechanical adapter for a SCXI module, according to an embodiment
- FIGS. 10 a and 10 b illustrate a PXI module with a multi-tiered daughtercard, according to an embodiment
- FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate two views of a mechanical adapter for a PXI module, according to an embodiment
- FIGS. 12 a and 12 b illustrate a mechanical adapter with tabs offset in a first direction to accommodate a printed circuit board (PCB), according to an embodiment
- FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate a mechanical adapter with a flat tab, according to an embodiment
- FIGS. 14 a and 14 b illustrate a mechanical adapter with tabs offset in a second direction, according to an embodiment
- FIGS. 15 a, 15 b, and 15 c illustrate a mechanical adapter with a complex bent tab, according to an embodiment
- FIGS. 16 a and 16 b illustrate a mechanical adapter, according to an embodiment
- FIG. 17 illustrates a method of configuring a mechanical adapter, according to an embodiment.
- a mechanical adapter may be used in place of some printed circuit board (PCB) materials.
- PCB printed circuit board
- the mechanical adapter may include a metal superstructure adapted to fit different form factors using traditional metalworking fabrication processes.
- the mechanical adapter may have a common mechanical interface on a side to receive a reusable, common form factor card (e.g., a motherboard).
- the mechanical adapter may be reconfigured to adapt to multiple form factors while maintaining preexisting overall form factor constraints.
- areas of the PCB form factor with conductive circuits may be decoupled from areas devoid of conductive material to reduce or eliminate PCB warping.
- the area devoid of conductive material may be replaced with a flexible material that may be shaped into different three-dimensional geometries to support a wide variety of secondary PCBs.
- a reduced size form factor may be used for the conductive circuit PCB portion along with a mechanical adapter in place of the areas that do not typically have conductive circuits, to create a PCB with less warping problems.
- the mechanical adapter may be metal (e.g., sheet metal). Other materials may also be used for the mechanical adapter.
- the mechanical adapter may be fabricated (e.g., cut, bent, and/or stamped). While, in some embodiments, auxiliary hardware may be coupled to the mechanical adapter, fabricating the mechanical adapter may lead to less auxiliary hardware being required.
- the mechanical adapter may be configured to support multi-tiered, multi-PCB assemblies.
- a module may have separate PCBs for analog circuitry and digital circuitry.
- the digital circuitry may reside on a motherboard (i.e., a first circuit board) and the analog circuitry may reside on an analog daughtercard (i.e., a second circuit board).
- a common motherboard form factor may be used for multiple module designs for a given form factor.
- a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Extensions for Instrumentation (PXI) module 100 may have a substantially fiberglass portion 103 and circuitry 101 .
- the substantially fiberglass portion 103 may be replaced with a mechanical adapter 201 as seen with the PXI module 200 in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 1 a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Extensions for Instrumentation
- a Signal Conditioning Extensions for Instrumentation (SCXI) module 150 may have a substantially fiberglass portion 153 and circuitry 151 .
- the substantially fiberglass portion 153 may be replaced with a mechanical adapter 301 as seen with the SCXI module 300 in FIG. 3 .
- the circuitry may be a circuit board.
- the mechanical adapter 201 may be designed to couple to a circuit board for insertion into a chassis 171 as seen in FIG. 1 c.
- the mechanical adapter 201 may be long enough such that a connector on the circuit board 203 can couple to a connector 175 on the back of the chassis 171 (e.g., on a backboard 177 of the chassis 171 ).
- a front plate 253 may couple to a front of the mechanical adapter 201 to provide access to the mechanical adapter 201 /circuit board 203 combination from the front of the chassis 171 .
- a configurable portion may have a length such that when the mechanical adapter 201 /circuit board 203 combination is inserted into a slot of a chassis 171 , the mechanical adapter 201 /circuit board 203 combination extends a full length of the chassis slot.
- the circuit board connectors may mate with the corresponding connectors in the backplane of the chassis, and the front plate 253 and locking member 251 may engage the chassis.
- the circuit boards 203 and 303 may be used with multiple different products using similar form factors.
- the mechanical adapter 201 may be configured to adapt the circuit board 203 to a needed form factor for a specific PXI module.
- the mechanical adapter 301 may be configured to adapt the circuit board 303 to a needed form factor for a specific SCXI module. While embodiments are shown for PXI modules and SCXI modules, it is to be understood that the mechanical adapter may also be used for other modules and other products besides PXI modules and SCXI modules.
- the mechanical adapter may also be used with other circuitry elements besides a motherboard and a daughtercard. For example, the mechanical adapter may be used to align and couple other PCBs.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a mechanical adapter 400 for a PXI module.
- the mechanical adapter 400 may have a configurable portion 401 and a mounting portion 403 .
- the mounting portion 403 may mount the mechanical adapter 400 to a circuit board 405 .
- the configurable portion 401 may position the circuit board 405 mounted to the mounting portion 403 in a chassis when the mechanical adapter 400 /circuit board 405 assembly is inserted into the chassis.
- the configurable portion 401 may be long enough to insure a good connection between the circuit board 405 and a backplane in the chassis.
- the configurable portion 401 may be substantially parallel to the circuit board 405 (as seen in FIG. 4 ).
- protrusions 413 may substantially align with slots 411 on the circuit board 405 to align the mechanical adapter 400 with the circuit board 405 .
- the protrusions 413 may snap into slots 411 to align outer edges 415 with edges 417 .
- the protrusions 413 may be half shears that are partially stamped into the mechanical adapter 400 .
- Other alignment mechanisms may also be used.
- holes 407 on the mounting portion 403 of the mechanical adapter 400 may align with corresponding holes 409 on the circuit board 405 .
- fasteners may be placed through the holes of the mechanical adapter 400 and the circuit board 405 when the holes on each are substantially aligned.
- hole 407 a may be substantially aligned with hole 409 a and a fastener (e.g., a screw or a rivet) may be placed through both.
- a fastener e.g., a screw or a rivet
- Other fastening mechanisms e.g., adhesives and snaps
- brackets, and/or fasteners through holes may be provided on the mechanical adapter 400 to couple the mechanical adapter 400 to a front panel 421 .
- Other fastening mechanisms are also contemplated.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a mechanical adapter 500 for a SCXI module.
- the mechanical adapter 500 may have a configurable portion 501 and a mounting portion 503 .
- a circuit board 505 may mount to the mechanical adapter 500 through the mounting portion 503 .
- the circuit board 505 and the mounting portion 503 may be similar for several embodiments, each with a different configuration for the configurable portion 501 .
- protrusions 513 may align with slots 511 to align outer edges 515 with edges 517 .
- fasteners may be placed through holes 507 and holes 509 when the holes are substantially aligned. Other fastening mechanisms may also be used to fasten the configurable portion 501 to the circuit board 505 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a PXI module 601 with a mechanical adapter 603 coupling a daughtercard 605 to a motherboard 607 .
- daughtercard 605 may be coupled to the mechanical adapter 603 through fasteners 609 (e.g., screws or rivets).
- the shape of the mechanical adapter 603 may be configured to fit the daughtercard 605 in the interior of the mechanical adapter 603 .
- Other fasteners e.g., adhesives
- the mechanical adapter 603 may allow alignment between the daughtercard 605 and the front plate 651 to allow electrical connector 653 , coupled to the daughtercard 605 , to align with a receiving portion 655 (e.g., a hole) in the front plate 651 .
- the mechanical adapter 603 may also be fabricated to allow the daughtercard 605 to be mounted on other planes relative to the motherboard 607 and front plate 651 for other alignments (e.g., other electrical connections).
- a portion of the mechanical adapter 603 may be configured to offset the daughtercard 605 relative to a substantially planar surface (e.g., top surface 604 ) of the mechanical adapter 603 to align the daughtercard 605 with the motherboard 607 and/or front plate 651 .
- fasteners 611 may fasten the mechanical adapter 603 to the motherboard 607 .
- An electrical connector (e.g., cable 613 ) may electrically couple the daughtercard 605 to the motherboard 607 .
- a mounting portion may be similar for multiple configurations of the mechanical adapter 603 .
- the motherboard 607 may be similar for different PXI modules.
- the mechanical adapter 603 may be configured to mount a specific type of daughtercard 605 in a configurable portion, while the mounting portion may be similar to mounting portions on other mechanical adapters with different configurations for different daughtercards (e.g., the motherboard may be similar for each of the different configurations). Therefore, in various embodiments, a common mounting portion may mate to a common motherboard configuration for different PXI products each configured to mount a different daughtercard.
- FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, and 7 c illustrate an embodiment of a mechanical adapter 603 for a PXI module 601 .
- tabs 701 may be configured to receive a daughtercard (e.g., daughtercard 605 seen in FIG. 6 ).
- tabs 701 may be used to offset the daughtercard 605 in any direction (e.g., along the x-axis, y-axis, and/or z-axis as seen in FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, and 7 c ).
- a daughtercard e.g., daughtercard 605 seen in FIG. 6
- tabs 701 may be used to offset the daughtercard 605 in any direction (e.g., along the x-axis, y-axis, and/or z-axis as seen in FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, and 7 c ).
- the tabs 701 may be offset from the plane of the mechanical adapter 603 to receive the daughtercard 605 .
- the depth of the offset along the z-axis may be adjusted according to a width of the daughtercard 605 .
- the tabs 701 may be offset to substantially align a surface of a daughtercard 605 with a surface of the mechanical adapter 603 .
- the tabs 701 may be offset to substantially align an electrical connector 653 on the daughtercard 605 with a front plate 651 or with an electrical connector on the motherboard 607 .
- an offset of the tabs may be configured such that the maximum overall width of the PXI module 601 (e.g., a minimum overall dimension in the z-axis of the motherboard 607 /daughtercard 605 assembly), when the daughtercard 605 is coupled to the mechanical adapter 603 , is less than a predetermined value (e.g., less than 0.8 inches).
- a predetermined value e.g., less than 0.8 inches
- the daughtercard 605 may need to be centered (i.e., with half the overall width of the daughtercard 605 on either side of the mechanical adapter 603 ) such that the final overall width of the PXI module 601 , including the daughtercard 605 , tabs 701 , etc., is less than 0.8 inches.
- the overall width may need to be below a predetermined value to allow the daughtercard 605 /motherboard 607 assembly to properly fit in a chassis (e.g., as seen in FIG. 1 c ) without contacting neighboring daughtercard/motherboard assemblies in the chassis.
- Other criteria may also be used in determining the number, placement, and offset of the tabs 701 on the mechanical adapter 603 .
- the mounting portion 709 may have mounting tabs 711 which may be alternately offset on either side of the mechanical adapter 603 .
- the motherboard 607 may fit between the alternately offset mounting tabs 711 .
- the alternately offset mounting tabs 711 may constrain the motherboard 607 along at least one dimension (e.g., in the z direction) to align the motherboard 607 with the mechanical adapter 603 (e.g., the motherboard 607 and mechanical adapter may be substantially aligned along the top and bottom surfaces of the mechanical adapter 603 and motherboard 607 ).
- Other configurations of the mounting portion 709 are also contemplated.
- the mounting portion 709 may be one continuous tab which may be substantially coplanar with the mechanical adapter 603 or which may be offset to either side of the mechanical adapter 603 .
- protrusions 713 may align with slots on the motherboard 607 for further alignment.
- FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a SCXI module 800 with a mechanical adapter 801 for coupling two daughtercards 805 to a motherboard 803 .
- the mechanical adapter 801 may be coupled to daughtercards 805 a and 805 b through fasteners 807 and 809 , respectively. While two daughtercards 805 are shown, embodiments with one or more daughtercards are contemplated.
- the mechanical adapter 801 may be coupled to the motherboard 803 through fasteners 811 (e.g., screws, rivets, and adhesives).
- FIGS. 9 a and 9 b illustrate an embodiment of a mechanical adapter 801 for a SCXI module 800 .
- tabs 901 may be substantially aligned with holes on the daughtercards 805 to receive fasteners for fastening the daughtercards 805 to the mechanical adapter 801 .
- daughtercards 805 may be secured to parts of the mechanical adapter 801 without tabs (e.g., holes 905 ). As seen in the isometric views of FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, the tabs 901 may be offset.
- the tab offsets may allow a surface of the daughtercards 805 to be substantially coplanar with a surface of the mechanical adapter 801 and/or a surface of the motherboard 803 .
- other portions of the mechanical adapter 801 e.g., center strip 913
- the mounting portion may have mounting tabs 907 which may be alternately offset on either side of the mechanical adapter 801 to receive the motherboard 803 .
- the motherboard 803 may fit in between the offsets and, therefore, may be supported on two sides by the mounting tabs 907 .
- the mounting tabs 907 may not be offset.
- the mounting portion may have one continuous tab.
- FIGS. 10 a and 10 b illustrate an embodiment of a PXI module 1000 with a multi-tiered daughtercard 1005 .
- multiple PCBs may be coupled together by flexible cables and folded on top of each other to form a multi-tiered daughtercard 1005 .
- the multi-tiered daughtercard 1005 may be relatively wide (e.g., along the z-axis).
- the daughtercard 1005 may be fastened to a mechanical adapter 1001 and a motherboard 1003 through multiple fasteners. Additional pieces 1019 a and 1019 b may be attached through fasteners 1007 c and 1007 d, respectively, to provide additional support to the daughtercard 1005 .
- the daughtercard 1005 may also be coupled to the mechanical adapter 1001 through fasteners 1007 c and 1007 d. Other additional pieces coupled to the mechanical adapter 1001 are also contemplated. In some embodiments, the daughtercard 1005 may be fastened to the mechanical adapter through fasteners 1007 . In some embodiments, the daughtercard 1005 may also be fastened to the motherboard 1003 . In some embodiments, multiple daughtercards may be stacked on top of each other. In some embodiments, multiple daughtercards may be attached linearly. As seen in FIG. 10 b, tabs on the mechanical adapter may be offset to accommodate the overall width of the daughtercard. In some embodiments, the offset may prevent the daughtercard from contacting other circuit boards/adapters when installed in a chassis.
- FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate an embodiment of an asymmetric mechanical adapter 1101 .
- the mechanical adapter 1101 may be configured to fit a specific daughtercard.
- the mechanical adapter 1101 may be asymmetric and may be configured with various tabs 1105 and supportive portions 1103 .
- the tabs 1105 may be offset on either side of the mechanical adapter 1101 .
- FIGS. 12 a and 12 b illustrate an embodiment of a mechanical adapter 1201 with tabs 1203 .
- a tab 1203 may be offset to accommodate a daughtercard.
- an offset 1205 in FIG. 12 b ) may be adjusted according to an overall width in the z-axis of a daughtercard or other printed circuit board to be coupled to the mechanical adapter.
- FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate an embodiment of a mechanical adapter 1301 with a flat tab 1303 .
- a flat tab 1303 may be used.
- the overall width of the daughtercard i.e., along the z-axis
- may also be accommodated through a fastener e.g., a larger or smaller fastener may be used to accommodate the overall width of the daughtercard.
- FIGS. 14 a and 14 b illustrate an embodiment of a mechanical adapter 1401 with tabs 1403 .
- the shape of the mechanical adapter 1401 may be configured according to a shape of a PCB received into the mechanical adapter 1401 .
- the mechanical adapter 1401 may substantially surround a PCB received into the mechanical adapter 1401 .
- threaded inserts 1405 may be used in holes of the tabs 1403 to provide more threads for a screw when fastening the mechanical adapter 1401 to a daughtercard.
- the threaded insert 1405 may extend through the daughtercard.
- a threaded insert 1405 may not be used.
- the mechanical adapter may be threaded directly.
- FIG. 15 a, 15 b, and 15 c illustrate a mechanical adapter with a complex bent tab, according to an embodiment.
- the mechanical adapter 1501 may be configured with complex shaped features.
- features such as the complex bent tab 1503 may accommodate complex features (e.g., a large input/output connector) on a daughtercard and/or on hardware interfacing with the module (e.g., the chassis).
- the circular partial-shear feature 1505 may be used to displace the mechanical adapter material enough to accommodate various hardware (e.g., off-the-shelf standoff hardware) rather than having to use custom hardware.
- FIGS. 16 a and 16 b illustrate a mechanical adapter, according to further embodiments. It is to be understood that other configurations of the mechanical adapter are also contemplated.
- the mechanical adapter 1601 may couple to a circuit board 1603 that may occupy an interior region of the mechanical adapter 1601 .
- the circuit board 1607 may couple at a corner of the mechanical adapter 1605 .
- Other configurations of the mechanical adapter are also contemplated.
- FIG. 17 illustrates a method of configuring a mechanical adapter, according to an embodiment.
- a mechanical adapter may be configured to couple to a first circuit board (e.g., a PXI or SCXI motherboard).
- a first circuit board e.g., a PXI or SCXI motherboard.
- the mechanical adapter may be configured to couple to a second circuit board (e.g., a daughtercard).
- the mechanical adapter may have features such as tabs fabricated into the mechanical adapter.
- the tabs may be bent and/or offset to accommodate the second circuit board.
- the mechanical adapter may be configured to offset the second circuit board relative to a substantially planar surface of the mechanical adapter (e.g., to align with the first circuit board and/or a front plate).
- the second circuit board may be coupled to the mechanical adapter.
- the mechanical adapter may also be coupled to the first circuit board.
- an overall width of the mechanical adapter and second circuit board may not exceed a predetermined value when the second circuit board is coupled to the mechanical adapter.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/562,880 titled “Mechanical Interface for Circuitry Modules” filed Apr. 16, 2004, whose inventors are James P. Koughan, Jason B. Habingreither, Darryl D. Daniel, and Michel G. Haddad.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates generally to computer hardware and, more particularly, to circuit card mounting hardware.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Printed circuit board (PCB) materials are typically made of inflexible laminates containing conductive layers with successive combinations of insulating layers. Conductive layers may include copper metal, or another conductive material. Conductive layers of the PCB may be used to transport electrical energy within the laminate. Insulating layers may include glass-fiber reinforced epoxy resins or other insulating materials.
- The conductive circuits of the PCB may reside in a limited area of the PCB's form. The rest of the form may have the same laminate, however, with the conductive material etched away. The portion cleared of conductive material may be used for mechanical adapting and may not serve an electrical function. The PCB may be exposed to an etching bath to remove copper from a front of the PCB, creating an imbalance of conductive material within or on the PCB (e.g., high copper content on rear 20% of a PCB's volume and zero copper content on the remaining 80% of the PCB's volume). Long exposure times to the etching bath may cause poor circuit trace quality and/or PCB warping. Differences in conductive material content across the PCB may result in differences in thermal expansion coefficients of the different materials in the PCB. The differences in the thermal expansion coefficients may result in PCB warping when the PCB is reheated during electrical component-level device assembly to a PCB surface.
- Many traditional PCB laminates may be composed of interwoven glass fibers held rigidly in a matrix of cured resin, usually a thermosetting epoxy, resulting in a structure that allows for extremely limited plastic deformation. As a result, mechanical features that can be created in such a material may be limited to simple cuts with all the limitations inherent to a machined feature.
- In some embodiments, a mechanical adapter may be used in place of some printed circuit board (PCB) materials. For example, some PCB materials may not be well suited to mechanically support secondary form factors. The mechanical adapter may include a metal superstructure adapted to fit different form factors using traditional metalworking fabrication processes. In some embodiments, the mechanical adapter may have a common mechanical interface on a side to receive a reusable, common form factor card (e.g., a motherboard). In various embodiments, the mechanical adapter may be reconfigured to adapt to multiple form factors while maintaining preexisting overall form factor constraints.
- In some embodiments, a mechanical adapter may have a mounting portion and a configurable portion. The mounting portion may be operable to couple to a circuit board. In some embodiments, the mounting portion may be similar for multiple configurations of the mechanical adapter. In some embodiments, the circuit board may be similar for different modules. The configurable portion may be coupled to the mounting portion and may operate to extend the combined mechanical adapter/circuit board combination, such that when the combination is inserted into a chassis, the combined mechanical adapter/circuit board extends the full length of the chassis slot. Circuit boards may be used with multiple different products using similar form factors. For example, the mechanical adapter may be configured to adapt the circuit board to a needed form factor for a specific PXI module. In various embodiments, the mechanical adapter may be configured to adapt the circuit board to a needed form factor for a specific SCXI module. While embodiments are shown for PXI modules and SCXI modules, it is to be understood that the mechanical adapter may also be used for other modules and other products besides PXI modules and SCXI modules.
- In various embodiments, a second circuit board (e.g., a module daughtercard) may be mounted onto a mechanical adapter to be coupled to a first circuit board (e.g., a motherboard). For example, the mechanical adapter may be configured to mount a specific type of daughtercard in the configurable portion, while the mounting portion may be similar to mounting portions on other mechanical adapters with different configurations for different daughtercards (e.g., the motherboard may be similar for each of the different configurations). Therefore, in various embodiments, a common mounting portion may mate to a common motherboard configuration for different products each configured to mount a different daughtercard. The mechanical adapter may also be used with other circuitry elements besides a motherboard and a daughtercard. For example, the mechanical adapter may be used to align and couple other PCBs.
- In some embodiments, protrusions may substantially align with slots on the first circuit board to align the mechanical adapter with the first circuit board. For example, the protrusions may snap into slots to align outer edges of the first circuit board and the mechanical adapter. In some embodiments, holes on the mounting portion of the mechanical adapter may align with corresponding holes on the first circuit board. In some embodiments, fasteners may be placed through the holes of the mechanical adapter and the first circuit board when the holes on each are substantially aligned. For example, a fastener (e.g., a screw or a rivet) may be placed through holes on the first circuit board and the mechanical adapter to couple the first circuit board to the mechanical adapter.
- In some embodiments, tabs may be offset from the plane of the mechanical adapter to receive the daughtercard. In some embodiments, tabs may be used to offset the daughtercard in any direction (e.g., along the x, y, and/or z directions). For example, the depth of the offset may be adjusted according to an overall width of the daughtercard. In some embodiments, the tabs may be offset to substantially align a surface of a daughtercard with a surface of the mechanical adapter. In some embodiments, the tabs may be offset to substantially align an electrical connector on the daughtercard with an electrical connector on the motherboard. In some embodiments, an offset of the tabs may be configured such that the maximum overall width of a motherboard/daughtercard assembly, when the daughtercard is coupled to the mechanical adapter, is within a predetermined value. In some embodiments, offsetting tabs may be used to fit in components that would otherwise be too wide to place on a daughtercard mounted in the same plane as the motherboard or mechanical adapter.
- The foregoing, as well as other objects, features, and advantages of this invention may be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description when read together with the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 a illustrates a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Extensions for Instrumentation (PXI) module; -
FIG. 1 b illustrates a Signal Conditioning Extensions for Instrumentation (SCXI) module; -
FIG. 1 c illustrates a chassis for a PXI module; -
FIG. 1 d illustrates a front view of a chassis; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a PXI module with a mechanical adapter, according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a SCXI module with a mechanical adapter, according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 4 illustrates an assembly of a PXI module containing a mechanical adapter, according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 5 illustrates an assembly of a SCXI module containing a mechanical adapter, according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a PXI module with a mechanical adapter for coupling a daughtercard to a motherboard, according to an embodiment; -
FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, and 7 c illustrate views of a mechanical adapter for a PXI module, according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a SCXI module with a mechanical adapter for coupling two daughtercards to a motherboard, according to an embodiment; -
FIGS. 9 a and 9 b illustrate two views of a mechanical adapter for a SCXI module, according to an embodiment; -
FIGS. 10 a and 10 b illustrate a PXI module with a multi-tiered daughtercard, according to an embodiment; -
FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate two views of a mechanical adapter for a PXI module, according to an embodiment; -
FIGS. 12 a and 12 b illustrate a mechanical adapter with tabs offset in a first direction to accommodate a printed circuit board (PCB), according to an embodiment; -
FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate a mechanical adapter with a flat tab, according to an embodiment; -
FIGS. 14 a and 14 b illustrate a mechanical adapter with tabs offset in a second direction, according to an embodiment; -
FIGS. 15 a, 15 b, and 15 c illustrate a mechanical adapter with a complex bent tab, according to an embodiment; -
FIGS. 16 a and 16 b illustrate a mechanical adapter, according to an embodiment; and -
FIG. 17 illustrates a method of configuring a mechanical adapter, according to an embodiment. - While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Note, the headings are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit or interpret the description or claims. Furthermore, note that the word “may” is used throughout this application in a permissive sense (i.e., having the potential to, being able to), not a mandatory sense (i.e., must). The term “include”, and derivations thereof, mean “including, but not limited to”. The term “coupled” means “directly or indirectly connected”.
- In some embodiments, a mechanical adapter may be used in place of some printed circuit board (PCB) materials. For example, some PCB materials may not be well suited to mechanically support secondary form factors. The mechanical adapter may include a metal superstructure adapted to fit different form factors using traditional metalworking fabrication processes. In some embodiments, the mechanical adapter may have a common mechanical interface on a side to receive a reusable, common form factor card (e.g., a motherboard). In various embodiments, the mechanical adapter may be reconfigured to adapt to multiple form factors while maintaining preexisting overall form factor constraints.
- In some embodiments, areas of the PCB form factor with conductive circuits may be decoupled from areas devoid of conductive material to reduce or eliminate PCB warping. In some embodiments, the area devoid of conductive material may be replaced with a flexible material that may be shaped into different three-dimensional geometries to support a wide variety of secondary PCBs. In some embodiments, a reduced size form factor may be used for the conductive circuit PCB portion along with a mechanical adapter in place of the areas that do not typically have conductive circuits, to create a PCB with less warping problems.
- In some embodiments, the mechanical adapter may be metal (e.g., sheet metal). Other materials may also be used for the mechanical adapter. In some embodiments, the mechanical adapter may be fabricated (e.g., cut, bent, and/or stamped). While, in some embodiments, auxiliary hardware may be coupled to the mechanical adapter, fabricating the mechanical adapter may lead to less auxiliary hardware being required. In some embodiments, the mechanical adapter may be configured to support multi-tiered, multi-PCB assemblies.
- In various embodiments, a module may have separate PCBs for analog circuitry and digital circuitry. In some embodiments, the digital circuitry may reside on a motherboard (i.e., a first circuit board) and the analog circuitry may reside on an analog daughtercard (i.e., a second circuit board). In some embodiments, a common motherboard form factor may be used for multiple module designs for a given form factor. As seen in
FIG. 1 a, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Extensions for Instrumentation (PXI)module 100 may have a substantiallyfiberglass portion 103 andcircuitry 101. In some embodiments, the substantiallyfiberglass portion 103 may be replaced with amechanical adapter 201 as seen with thePXI module 200 inFIG. 2 . As seen inFIG. 1 b, a Signal Conditioning Extensions for Instrumentation (SCXI)module 150 may have a substantiallyfiberglass portion 153 andcircuitry 151. In some embodiments, the substantiallyfiberglass portion 153 may be replaced with amechanical adapter 301 as seen with theSCXI module 300 inFIG. 3 . In some embodiments, the circuitry may be a circuit board. In some embodiments, themechanical adapter 201 may be designed to couple to a circuit board for insertion into achassis 171 as seen inFIG. 1 c. For example, themechanical adapter 201 may be long enough such that a connector on thecircuit board 203 can couple to aconnector 175 on the back of the chassis 171 (e.g., on abackboard 177 of the chassis 171). In some embodiments, afront plate 253 may couple to a front of themechanical adapter 201 to provide access to themechanical adapter 201/circuit board 203 combination from the front of thechassis 171. In some embodiments, a configurable portion may have a length such that when themechanical adapter 201/circuit board 203 combination is inserted into a slot of achassis 171, themechanical adapter 201/circuit board 203 combination extends a full length of the chassis slot. In some embodiments, when themechanical adapter 201/circuit board 203 combination is inserted into a slot of a chassis, the circuit board connectors may mate with the corresponding connectors in the backplane of the chassis, and thefront plate 253 and lockingmember 251 may engage the chassis. - In various embodiments, the
circuit boards mechanical adapter 201 may be configured to adapt thecircuit board 203 to a needed form factor for a specific PXI module. In other embodiments, themechanical adapter 301 may be configured to adapt thecircuit board 303 to a needed form factor for a specific SCXI module. While embodiments are shown for PXI modules and SCXI modules, it is to be understood that the mechanical adapter may also be used for other modules and other products besides PXI modules and SCXI modules. The mechanical adapter may also be used with other circuitry elements besides a motherboard and a daughtercard. For example, the mechanical adapter may be used to align and couple other PCBs. -
FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of amechanical adapter 400 for a PXI module. In some embodiments, themechanical adapter 400 may have aconfigurable portion 401 and a mountingportion 403. In some embodiments, the mountingportion 403 may mount themechanical adapter 400 to acircuit board 405. In some embodiments, theconfigurable portion 401 may position thecircuit board 405 mounted to the mountingportion 403 in a chassis when themechanical adapter 400/circuit board 405 assembly is inserted into the chassis. For example, theconfigurable portion 401 may be long enough to insure a good connection between thecircuit board 405 and a backplane in the chassis. In some embodiments, theconfigurable portion 401 may be substantially parallel to the circuit board 405 (as seen inFIG. 4 ). - In some embodiments, protrusions 413 may substantially align with slots 411 on the
circuit board 405 to align themechanical adapter 400 with thecircuit board 405. For example, the protrusions 413 may snap into slots 411 to align outer edges 415 with edges 417. In some embodiments, the protrusions 413 may be half shears that are partially stamped into themechanical adapter 400. Other alignment mechanisms may also be used. In some embodiments, holes 407 on the mountingportion 403 of themechanical adapter 400 may align with corresponding holes 409 on thecircuit board 405. In some embodiments, fasteners may be placed through the holes of themechanical adapter 400 and thecircuit board 405 when the holes on each are substantially aligned. For example, hole 407 a may be substantially aligned withhole 409 a and a fastener (e.g., a screw or a rivet) may be placed through both. Other fastening mechanisms (e.g., adhesives and snaps) may also be used to fasten theconfigurable portion 401 to thecircuit board 405. In some embodiments, brackets, and/or fasteners through holes (e.g. hole 419), may be provided on themechanical adapter 400 to couple themechanical adapter 400 to afront panel 421. Other fastening mechanisms are also contemplated. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of amechanical adapter 500 for a SCXI module. In some embodiments, themechanical adapter 500 may have aconfigurable portion 501 and a mountingportion 503. In some embodiments, acircuit board 505 may mount to themechanical adapter 500 through the mountingportion 503. Thecircuit board 505 and the mountingportion 503 may be similar for several embodiments, each with a different configuration for theconfigurable portion 501. In some embodiments, protrusions 513 may align with slots 511 to align outer edges 515 with edges 517. In some embodiments, fasteners may be placed through holes 507 and holes 509 when the holes are substantially aligned. Other fastening mechanisms may also be used to fasten theconfigurable portion 501 to thecircuit board 505. -
FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of aPXI module 601 with amechanical adapter 603 coupling adaughtercard 605 to amotherboard 607. In some embodiments,daughtercard 605 may be coupled to themechanical adapter 603 through fasteners 609 (e.g., screws or rivets). The shape of themechanical adapter 603 may be configured to fit thedaughtercard 605 in the interior of themechanical adapter 603. Other fasteners (e.g., adhesives) may also be used. In some embodiments, themechanical adapter 603 may allow alignment between thedaughtercard 605 and thefront plate 651 to allowelectrical connector 653, coupled to thedaughtercard 605, to align with a receiving portion 655 (e.g., a hole) in thefront plate 651. Themechanical adapter 603 may also be fabricated to allow thedaughtercard 605 to be mounted on other planes relative to themotherboard 607 andfront plate 651 for other alignments (e.g., other electrical connections). For example, a portion of themechanical adapter 603 may be configured to offset thedaughtercard 605 relative to a substantially planar surface (e.g., top surface 604) of themechanical adapter 603 to align thedaughtercard 605 with themotherboard 607 and/orfront plate 651. In some embodiments, fasteners 611 may fasten themechanical adapter 603 to themotherboard 607. An electrical connector (e.g., cable 613) may electrically couple thedaughtercard 605 to themotherboard 607. - In some embodiments, a mounting portion may be similar for multiple configurations of the
mechanical adapter 603. In various embodiments, themotherboard 607 may be similar for different PXI modules. For example, themechanical adapter 603 may be configured to mount a specific type ofdaughtercard 605 in a configurable portion, while the mounting portion may be similar to mounting portions on other mechanical adapters with different configurations for different daughtercards (e.g., the motherboard may be similar for each of the different configurations). Therefore, in various embodiments, a common mounting portion may mate to a common motherboard configuration for different PXI products each configured to mount a different daughtercard. -
FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, and 7 c illustrate an embodiment of amechanical adapter 603 for aPXI module 601. In some embodiments, tabs 701 may be configured to receive a daughtercard (e.g.,daughtercard 605 seen inFIG. 6 ). In some embodiments, tabs 701 may be used to offset thedaughtercard 605 in any direction (e.g., along the x-axis, y-axis, and/or z-axis as seen inFIGS. 7 a, 7 b, and 7 c). For example, as seen in the isometric view of themechanical adapter 603 inFIG. 7 b, the tabs 701 may be offset from the plane of themechanical adapter 603 to receive thedaughtercard 605. In some embodiments, the depth of the offset along the z-axis may be adjusted according to a width of thedaughtercard 605. For example, the tabs 701 may be offset to substantially align a surface of adaughtercard 605 with a surface of themechanical adapter 603. In some embodiments, the tabs 701 may be offset to substantially align anelectrical connector 653 on thedaughtercard 605 with afront plate 651 or with an electrical connector on themotherboard 607. In some embodiments, an offset of the tabs may be configured such that the maximum overall width of the PXI module 601 (e.g., a minimum overall dimension in the z-axis of themotherboard 607/daughtercard 605 assembly), when thedaughtercard 605 is coupled to themechanical adapter 603, is less than a predetermined value (e.g., less than 0.8 inches). For example, if thedaughtercard 605 has an overall width of 0.7 inches, thedaughtercard 605 may need to be centered (i.e., with half the overall width of thedaughtercard 605 on either side of the mechanical adapter 603) such that the final overall width of thePXI module 601, including thedaughtercard 605, tabs 701, etc., is less than 0.8 inches. In some embodiments, the overall width may need to be below a predetermined value to allow thedaughtercard 605/motherboard 607 assembly to properly fit in a chassis (e.g., as seen inFIG. 1 c) without contacting neighboring daughtercard/motherboard assemblies in the chassis. Other criteria may also be used in determining the number, placement, and offset of the tabs 701 on themechanical adapter 603. - As seen in the isometric view of the
mechanical adapter 603 inFIGS. 7 a and 7 b, the mountingportion 709 may have mounting tabs 711 which may be alternately offset on either side of themechanical adapter 603. Themotherboard 607 may fit between the alternately offset mounting tabs 711. In some embodiments, the alternately offset mounting tabs 711 may constrain themotherboard 607 along at least one dimension (e.g., in the z direction) to align themotherboard 607 with the mechanical adapter 603 (e.g., themotherboard 607 and mechanical adapter may be substantially aligned along the top and bottom surfaces of themechanical adapter 603 and motherboard 607). Other configurations of the mountingportion 709 are also contemplated. For example, the mountingportion 709 may be one continuous tab which may be substantially coplanar with themechanical adapter 603 or which may be offset to either side of themechanical adapter 603. As seen inFIG. 7 c, protrusions 713 may align with slots on themotherboard 607 for further alignment. -
FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of aSCXI module 800 with amechanical adapter 801 for coupling two daughtercards 805 to amotherboard 803. In some embodiments, themechanical adapter 801 may be coupled todaughtercards mechanical adapter 801 may be coupled to themotherboard 803 through fasteners 811 (e.g., screws, rivets, and adhesives). -
FIGS. 9 a and 9 b illustrate an embodiment of amechanical adapter 801 for aSCXI module 800. In some embodiments, tabs 901 may be substantially aligned with holes on the daughtercards 805 to receive fasteners for fastening the daughtercards 805 to themechanical adapter 801. In some embodiments, daughtercards 805 may be secured to parts of themechanical adapter 801 without tabs (e.g., holes 905). As seen in the isometric views ofFIGS. 9 a and 9 b, the tabs 901 may be offset. For example, the tab offsets may allow a surface of the daughtercards 805 to be substantially coplanar with a surface of themechanical adapter 801 and/or a surface of themotherboard 803. In some embodiments, other portions of the mechanical adapter 801 (e.g., center strip 913) may be offset or in some other way modified to accommodate daughtercards 805. In some embodiments, the mounting portion may have mounting tabs 907 which may be alternately offset on either side of themechanical adapter 801 to receive themotherboard 803. Themotherboard 803 may fit in between the offsets and, therefore, may be supported on two sides by the mounting tabs 907. In some embodiments, the mounting tabs 907 may not be offset. In some embodiments, the mounting portion may have one continuous tab. -
FIGS. 10 a and 10 b illustrate an embodiment of aPXI module 1000 with amulti-tiered daughtercard 1005. For example, multiple PCBs may be coupled together by flexible cables and folded on top of each other to form amulti-tiered daughtercard 1005. In some embodiments, themulti-tiered daughtercard 1005 may be relatively wide (e.g., along the z-axis). In some embodiments, thedaughtercard 1005 may be fastened to amechanical adapter 1001 and amotherboard 1003 through multiple fasteners.Additional pieces fasteners daughtercard 1005. Thedaughtercard 1005 may also be coupled to themechanical adapter 1001 throughfasteners mechanical adapter 1001 are also contemplated. In some embodiments, thedaughtercard 1005 may be fastened to the mechanical adapter through fasteners 1007. In some embodiments, thedaughtercard 1005 may also be fastened to themotherboard 1003. In some embodiments, multiple daughtercards may be stacked on top of each other. In some embodiments, multiple daughtercards may be attached linearly. As seen inFIG. 10 b, tabs on the mechanical adapter may be offset to accommodate the overall width of the daughtercard. In some embodiments, the offset may prevent the daughtercard from contacting other circuit boards/adapters when installed in a chassis. -
FIGS. 11 a and 11 b illustrate an embodiment of an asymmetricmechanical adapter 1101. In some embodiments, themechanical adapter 1101 may be configured to fit a specific daughtercard. Themechanical adapter 1101 may be asymmetric and may be configured with various tabs 1105 and supportive portions 1103. In some embodiments, the tabs 1105 may be offset on either side of themechanical adapter 1101. -
FIGS. 12 a and 12 b illustrate an embodiment of amechanical adapter 1201 withtabs 1203. In some embodiments, atab 1203 may be offset to accommodate a daughtercard. For example, an offset 1205 (inFIG. 12 b) may be adjusted according to an overall width in the z-axis of a daughtercard or other printed circuit board to be coupled to the mechanical adapter. -
FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate an embodiment of amechanical adapter 1301 with aflat tab 1303. In some embodiments, aflat tab 1303 may be used. In some embodiments, the overall width of the daughtercard (i.e., along the z-axis) may also be accommodated through a fastener (e.g., a larger or smaller fastener may be used to accommodate the overall width of the daughtercard). -
FIGS. 14 a and 14 b illustrate an embodiment of amechanical adapter 1401 withtabs 1403. In various embodiments, the shape of themechanical adapter 1401 may be configured according to a shape of a PCB received into themechanical adapter 1401. For example, themechanical adapter 1401 may substantially surround a PCB received into themechanical adapter 1401. As seen inFIG. 14 b, threadedinserts 1405 may be used in holes of thetabs 1403 to provide more threads for a screw when fastening themechanical adapter 1401 to a daughtercard. In some embodiments, the threadedinsert 1405 may extend through the daughtercard. In some embodiments, a threadedinsert 1405 may not be used. In some embodiments, the mechanical adapter may be threaded directly. -
FIG. 15 a, 15 b, and 15 c illustrate a mechanical adapter with a complex bent tab, according to an embodiment. Themechanical adapter 1501 may be configured with complex shaped features. For example, features such as the complexbent tab 1503 may accommodate complex features (e.g., a large input/output connector) on a daughtercard and/or on hardware interfacing with the module (e.g., the chassis). In some embodiments, the circular partial-shear feature 1505 may be used to displace the mechanical adapter material enough to accommodate various hardware (e.g., off-the-shelf standoff hardware) rather than having to use custom hardware. -
FIGS. 16 a and 16 b illustrate a mechanical adapter, according to further embodiments. It is to be understood that other configurations of the mechanical adapter are also contemplated. For example, as seen inFIG. 16 a, themechanical adapter 1601 may couple to acircuit board 1603 that may occupy an interior region of themechanical adapter 1601. In some embodiments, thecircuit board 1607 may couple at a corner of themechanical adapter 1605. Other configurations of the mechanical adapter are also contemplated. -
FIG. 17 illustrates a method of configuring a mechanical adapter, according to an embodiment. - At 1701, a mechanical adapter may be configured to couple to a first circuit board (e.g., a PXI or SCXI motherboard).
- At 1703, the mechanical adapter may be configured to couple to a second circuit board (e.g., a daughtercard). For example, the mechanical adapter may have features such as tabs fabricated into the mechanical adapter. In some embodiments, the tabs may be bent and/or offset to accommodate the second circuit board.
- At 1705, the mechanical adapter may be configured to offset the second circuit board relative to a substantially planar surface of the mechanical adapter (e.g., to align with the first circuit board and/or a front plate). The second circuit board may be coupled to the mechanical adapter. The mechanical adapter may also be coupled to the first circuit board. In some embodiments, an overall width of the mechanical adapter and second circuit board may not exceed a predetermined value when the second circuit board is coupled to the mechanical adapter.
- Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be taken as embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.
Claims (33)
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US9198320B2 (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2015-11-24 | Tyco Electronics Services Gmbh | Communications bladed panel systems |
US9549484B2 (en) | 2010-02-12 | 2017-01-17 | Commscope Technologies Llc | Communications bladed panel systems |
US20110268152A1 (en) * | 2010-05-03 | 2011-11-03 | Becker Alvin G | Temperature sensing system and method |
US8757874B2 (en) * | 2010-05-03 | 2014-06-24 | National Instruments Corporation | Temperature sensing system and method |
CN104991610A (en) * | 2015-07-23 | 2015-10-21 | 上海岱诺信息技术有限公司 | Virtual instrument platform |
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